OMG.. that's highway robbery!! I bought 18 lbs. (YES POUNDS) of Perlite for $15!!! Simply Hydroponics - Perlite Pricing is a little different on the site than the actual store. I'd definitely call around though.. I was tired of being ripped by Lowes and Home Depot on soil and found an awesome landscaping company that does gardening soil; 1/2 cubic yard was only $12... won't be out of soil for a while!! Seriously, local companies will give you 10x a better deal than the major outlets. I've even switched nutes from FF and have mixed my own by buying worm castings, guano, blood & bone meal, and a few other things from local feed stores. Saving me $$$$$$$$$!!